A man suspected of assisting the main accused in the killing of activist Sharif Osman Hadi to escape Bangladesh has been detained in India, diplomatic sources confirmed on Saturday.
The suspect, Philip Sangma, was apprehended by the Special Task Force of police near Shantipur in Nadia district of West Bengal. Authorities in the state have formally informed the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata about the arrest.
According to police officials, Sangma was captured after intelligence-led operations. During initial questioning, he reportedly acknowledged helping two key suspects—Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain—cross into India through the Meghalaya border shortly after the killing in order to evade arrest in Bangladesh.
Investigators also believe Sangma later crossed the border into India illegally to avoid being detained by Bangladeshi authorities. After being produced before a court, he was placed in police custody for further interrogation.
Earlier Arrests in West Bengal
Earlier, Indian police arrested Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain in the Bongaon border area of West Bengal during a separate operation. The two were identified by Bangladeshi investigators as the main suspects in the shooting.
Law enforcement officials say the pair managed to flee Bangladesh on the day of the attack through the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh with assistance from intermediaries involved in illegal cross-border movement.
Details of the Killing
Osman Hadi, a leader of the platform Inqilab Mancha, was shot on December 12 last year in Dhaka’s Paltan area shortly after Friday prayers. He was travelling in a rickshaw when gunmen opened fire on him and then fled on a motorcycle.
The wounded activist was later flown to Singapore for advanced treatment, but he died there six days later.
Investigation Continues
With Sangma’s detention, three individuals linked to the case have now been arrested in India. Bangladeshi authorities say steps are underway to bring the suspects back to the country.
So far, 12 people have been arrested inside Bangladesh in connection with the murder. Two other suspects, including Taizul Islam Chowdhury, are still on the run.
A charge sheet naming 17 accused was submitted to a court earlier this year, but further investigation was ordered following objections from the complainant. The case is now being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department Bangladesh.
No comments: